A record number of people are turning to the Public Service Company of New Mexico's Good Neighbor Fund to help them get by, company officials said Saturday.

Once a year, customers can file for help with their bill, and so far, the utility company said it has seen a dramatic increase of people needing help.

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So far, the PNM said it has had to use $1.1 million of its Good Neighbor Fund compared to just $800,000 last year.

Company officials said that's a 42 percent increase in people having tough times paying their bill.

PNM said it admits the tough economy and higher rates are making it harder for residents to pay their bill, but company officials also credit a better outreach that's targeting customers across the state, letting them know there's a way to get help.